Preseason Game 1: Surprises in Store for Denver Broncos Fans

The first game of the preseason is one where rookies and veterans are trying to make teams and some starters make an appearance. In the case of the Denver Broncos, many position battles will make for some exciting preseason games.

For one, Jamaal Charles will reportedly play on Thursday when the Denver Broncos head to Chicago to face the Bears.

Jamaal Charles

A player with Charles’ pedigree would typically have the night off from the first preseason game. But with his injury history, Charles will likely see a series or two according to Nick Jhabvala on twitter.

Charles has a couple things to prove. First of all, he needs to get through a series or at least a few plays to shake off the cobwebs in a real game. Secondly, Charles isn’t assured anything in terms of playing time.

Quarterback Battle

According to Denver reporter Mike Klis, Trevor Siemian will start Thursday’s opener. Now getting the nod is no small thing. But to have your starter play in the preseason’s first game shows how disappointing both Siemian and Paxton Lynch have been to the Broncos brass.

Klis also quickly reported Paxton Lynch will get the nod to start the second preseason game at San Francisco. So the “let the best player win” phrase will certainly hold true.

In the team’s first depth chart the starting quarterback listed is “Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch.” The “or” is not something you see often on a depth chart. Now, it is the second straight year the Broncos have had co-starters listed at quarterback.

First Depth Chart

The Denver Broncos released their first depth chart of the season, and a couple surprises show the uncertainty at some positions.

Garett Bolles is listed as the starter at left tackle ahead of veteran Ty Sambrailo. Rookie Isaiah McKenzie received the nod as the team’s starting kick returner.